Digital asset generation and communication

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are provided that include receiving an instruction to associate a unique identifier with a digital presentation, where the unique identifier is associated with a tangible object, receiving a first digital asset from a first remote device, determining a first media component to prepend to the first digital asset, determining a second media component to append to the first digital asset (which influences the determination of the first media component or the second media component), incorporating the prepended content, digital asset, and appended content into the digital presentation, and associating the unique identifier with the digital presentation in a data store.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of the following threeprovisional applications: (1) U.S. Provisional Application No.63/460,253 filed Apr. 18, 2023 and entitled “GIFTING, PRESENTING, ANDCONVEYING SYSTEMS AND METHODS”; (2) U.S. Provisional Application No.63/356,177 filed Jun. 28, 2022 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORVIRTUALIZED OFFERINGS”; and (3) U.S. Provisional Application No.63/460,248 filed Apr. 18, 2023 entitled “CURATING, ASSOCIATING, ANDCONVEYING MEMORY REPRESENTATIONS.” This application is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/076,208, filed Dec.6, 2022 entitled “Collaborative Asset Generation and Communication”(which is a Continuation-In-Part U.S. application Ser. No. 17/967,695,filed Oct. 17, 2022 entitled “Collaborative Asset Generation andCommunication,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/257,107, filed Oct. 18, 2021, and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/274,455, filed Nov. 1, 2021). Thisapplication incorporates by reference herein all of the aforementionednonprovisional and provisional applications in their entirety for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

Creating customized multi-modal (e.g., text, video, photos, valueindications) presentations can be cumbersome and difficult, especiallywhen trying to determine context-relevant backgrounds, wording, and thelike. Some technologies have attempted to stitch video segmentstogether. But that does not address a customization option whereby auser desires to provide personalized introductions, endings, or content.And no mechanism is available for automatically proposing formatting andother options for such prepended or appended content based on factorssuch as the attributes of a sender, of a recipient, or of thepresentation itself. The current state of the art could be improved byproviding a way to accommodate such personalizations, including allowingfor a common content segment that has variable introductions or endingsbased on a card (or other object) within a set of objects (such as a boxof cards owned by a common person but where each card is tailored towarddifferent life events, such as a graduation versus a birthday versus ananniversary, etc.).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a unique identifier (e.g., QR code) located on atangible object, in accordance with aspects of the technology describedherein;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a sender scanning a unique identifier (e.g., QRcode) located on a tangible object, in accordance with aspects of thetechnology described herein;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a digital asset selection interface that a senderuses to associate a digital asset with the tangible object, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a recipient scanning a QR code on the tangibleobject, in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a recipient viewing the digital presentation viathe recipient's user device, in accordance with aspects of thetechnology described herein;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing environment suitablefor use in implementing embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary digital-presentationsystem in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may beemployed;

FIGS. 8A-G illustrate actions taken by a sender during generation of adigital presentation, in accordance with aspects of the technologydescribed herein;

FIGS. 9A-F illustrate actions taken to invite others to contributecontent to the generation of a digital presentation, in accordance withaspects of the technology described herein;

FIGS. 10A-G illustrate actions taken to edit and finalize a digitalpresentation, in accordance with aspects of the technology describedherein;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary computingdevice;

FIGS. 12A-C illustrate actions taken to view a digital presentation, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein;

FIGS. 13A-F illustrate a greeting card with an obscured uniqueidentifier that is linked to a digital presentation, in accordance withaspects of the technology described herein;

FIG. 14 illustrates a greeting card with an obscured unique identifierthat is linked to a digital presentation, in accordance with aspects ofthe technology described herein;

FIG. 15 illustrates a method of generating a digital presentation, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein;

FIG. 16 illustrates a method for printing a greeting card with anobscured unique identifier, in accordance with aspects of the technologydescribed herein;

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate a user interface experience for associating oneor more tangible objects having the same unique identifier with a singlea digital presentation, in accordance with aspects of the technologydescribed herein;

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate methods of generating a digital presentation inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein;

FIG. 22 depicts an illustrative system for practicing an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 23 & 24 depict illustrative methods of practicing an embodiment ofthe disclosed technology; and

FIG. 25 depicts aspects of a common and supplemental-content embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject mattermight also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps orcombinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, inconjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover,although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connotedifferent elements of methods employed, the terms should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order among or between varioussteps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individualsteps is explicitly described. Each method described herein may comprisea computing process that may be performed using any combination ofhardware, firmware, and/or software. For instance, various functions maybe carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory.The methods may also be embodied as computer-usable instructions storedon computer storage media. The methods may be provided by a standaloneapplication, a service or hosted service (standalone or in combinationwith another hosted service), or a plug-in to another product, to name afew.

The technology described herein allows, among other thigs, a sender toinitiate generation of a digital presentation, which may include a videogenerated by merging videos provided by one or more users, a giftindicia (such as an indication of a gift, a link to a giftingexperience, etc.). The technology can facilitate the generation andcollection of digital assets, such as video, images, gift indicia, andaudio recordings from a one or more users. The digital presentation maybe associated with a tangible object using a unique identifier locatedon the tangible object. The digital presentation may be stored incomputer memory on a user-experience server and associated with theunique identifier. Instances of a single unique identifier may be placedon one or more tangible objects. Each instance may be associated withthe same digital asset. When the unique identifier is provided to theuser-experience server by a recipient of the tangible object, thedigital presentation can be retrieved and output to the computing devicethat provided the unique identifier.

The tangible object may be a greeting card, gift card, ornament, pictureframe, clothing, pottery, decoration, accessory, and the like. A uniqueidentifier, such as a QR code, radiofrequency identification tag (RFID),near-field communication (NFC) chip/circuit, and/or unique design, maybe located on the tangible object and used to associate the tangibleobject with the digital presentation. As an alternative, the uniqueidentifier may be located on a tag (hanging tag) or decal associatedwith tangible object. As yet another alternative, the unique identifiermay be within a box or otherwise obscured by packaging and/or integratedinto packaging.

As used herein, a unique identifier may include a uniquemachine-readable number and/or alphanumeric sequence encoded by theunique identifier. The unique identifier allows an associated tangibleobject or group of related tangible objects to be differentiated fromall of other similar tangible objects or groups of related tangibleobjects even among the same model of tangible object. For example, afirst instance of a generic birthday card with a first design has afirst unique identifier and a second instance of same generic birthdaycard has a second unique identifier that is different than the firstunique identifier.

Similarly, each card in a first batch of generic birthday cards with afirst design has a first unique identifier and each card in a secondbatch of the same generic birthday card has a second unique identifierthat is different than the first unique identifier. In this way, eachcard in the first batch may be linked to the same digital presentationand each card in the second batch linked to a second digitalpresentation. In one aspect, the digital presentation is stored in acloud data store and indexed with an identifier linked to the QR code orother unique identifier. Upon scanning the QR code with a visual sensor(e.g., camera) on a computing device, such as a smart phone, anapplication on the device may retrieve the digital presentation andpresent it to the user. In one aspect, the digital presentation includesone or more of gifting indica, a customized video generated by one ormore users, a selection of photos, sounds. For example, the customizedvideo may be from a collection of users wishing happy birthday to arecipient of a greeting card.

Generation of the digital presentation may be originated by a sender ofthe greeting card, or other tangible object, by the sender scanning aunique identifier located on the greeting card. A single uniqueidentifier is associated with a single digital presentation in oneembodiment. Associating the same unique identifier with one or moretangible objects associates each of the tangible objects with the singledigital presentation. For example, the same unique identifier may beprinted on (including affixing a printout to) one or more greetingcards, mugs, cups, journals, books, picture frames, ornaments, toys, andthe like.

For example, all cards in a box of cards may have the same uniqueidentifier. In this way, all of the recipients are able to view thedigital presentation. For example, a family may generate a digitalpresentation that can be associated with a group of holiday greetingcards. Each recipient of a holiday greeting card may access the samedigital presentation by scanning the unique identifier on the card. Thesender may purchase the tangible object with the unique identifierlocated on it. The unique identifier may be obscured by packaging, abox, a removable portion of the tangible object (e.g. a flap), amoveable portion of the tangible object, and the like. The sender mayneed to remove packaging or manipulate the portion of the tangibleobject obscuring the unique identifier to scan the unique identifier.Thereafter, the system may associate the unique identifier with thedigital presentation. Scanning the unique identifier can cause thecollaborative-asset application to display the digital presentation to arecipient and/or a sender for editing, approval, or viewing.

The digital presentation (e.g., only an indicia of a gift sandwichedbetween system-proposed bookended content in some embodiments) may beintended for viewing by the recipient of the tangible object. Scanningthe unique identifier may cause a customized video application on thephone to be opened, gift to appear, or begin a series of steps orinteractions that require engagement by the user to convey the gift. Thedigital-presentation application may be provided by adigital-presentation service. The digital-presentation service may editand join groups of videos provided by one or more users into a singlevideo.

In an aspect, the first time the unique identifier is scanned, thedigital presentation building interface is opened. The second time theunique identifier is scanned, the viewing interface is opened. In otheraspects, the interface asks whether the user is a sender or receiver andthe appropriate interface is then shown. In an aspect, the viewinginterface is not available until after the digital presentation isfinalized. Once finalized, the next scan may result in the applicationopening the viewing interface.

Returning to the digital-presentation application, the sender may beasked to login to an existing account or create an account for thecustomized video service. Other persons contributing content to thedigital presentation may also log in. The unique identifier is stored ina memory accessible by the user-experience server. The user-experienceserver can associate the unique identifier with a digital asset, such asan image or video, designated by the user. The tangible object can becommunicated to a recipient. For example, a greeting card can be mailedfrom a sender to a recipient.

The digital-presentation application can interact with a service thatallows the sender to invite others to contribute to the digitalpresentation. The service may allow the sender to enter email addresses,phone numbers for texts, social media identifiers, or other means tocontact potential collaborators. The service can track sent invitationsand whether content was contributed by invitation recipients. The sendermay receive notifications when new content is added. The service maycombine the videos of one or more users into a single digitalpresentation. The sender may be able to approve and edit the digitalpresentation before allowing it to be viewed by the recipient.

In some aspects, a digital presentation may be configured for playbackand/or interaction at one or more different timepoints. For example, toincorporate both time-constrained, and free-time playback options, oneor more features may be incorporated into the user experience forplayback of the digital presentation, such that the asset recipient(e.g., a greeting-card recipient that is gifted a card having a codethat retrieves the particular digital presentation) and potentially oneor more of the asset contributors (e.g., the greeting-card purchaser andany other contributor to the recorded digital content compilation) mayinteract at any time or at a particular timepoint with the digitalcontent, or with the card recipient.

In some aspects, an asynchronous “party” may be created where thedigital-presentation recipient is invited to join and interact with thedigital-presentation contributors. The greeting-card recipient may scana unique identifier to retrieve the digital presentation, and at thesame time, an invitation to each digital-presentation contributor may beprovided, so that contributors can see and/or interact with the recordedcontent of the other contributors, and the contributors themselves.

In this embodiment, attendees to the asynchronous party couldparticipate at any time, given that the card recipient is invited toview the content and interact with the dedications within the recordedcontent at any time. In other embodiments, the card recipient may beinvited to view the content and interact in real time with the recordedsegments or other provided content from each contributor.

In further aspects, a video greeting card creator/purchaser, may be ableto monitor if a card contributor has viewed, opened, or responded to thevideo content of the digital presentation. In some aspects, each of thecontent contributors may be able to view each of the other contributionsto the entire collaborative content, while in further aspects,collaborators/contributors to the content may be further able to inviteadditional contributors/attendees to the asynchronous party platform byinviting the participants to socialize/view the recorded content. Inanother embodiment, contributors may assist in editing or creating thefinal digital presentation content, while in further embodiments, thegreeting-card recipient may be able to respond back to all contributors.

In some aspects, an “event” date may be determined for engaging each ofthe digital collaborators, providing a reminder of different timepoints,such as the date/time to submit content to the digital presentation, anda date/time to rejoin the card recipient to view the collaborativecontent together. In further aspects, the unique identifier printedwithin the greeting card may be able to initiate recording by thegreeting card purchaser, retrieve the collaborative recorded content forviewing by the greeting-card recipient, and initiate subsequentengagement and/or interaction between the greeting-card recipient and atleast one of the digital-presentation contributors after delivery of thegreeting card to the recipient.

In an aspect, the tangible object includes two obscured uniqueidentifiers. One of the two obscured unique identifiers may be removablefrom the tangible object. In this way, the sender may keep the secondunique identifier, while the first unique identifier remains attached tothe tangible object. In one aspect, the item (e.g., removable tab)obscuring the permanent unique identifier includes a second copy of theunique identifier. Initially, both the first and second copy areobscured. In an aspect, the second unique identifier is located on aninside surface of a box used to as packaging for the tangible object orgroup of tangible objects, such as a box lid.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate the use of the technology with a greeting card.However, aspects of the technology described herein are not limited touse with a greeting card. The example of FIGS. 1-5 describes thetransfer of a greeting card between a first user and a second user. Thefirst user is described as the sender and the second user is describedas the recipient. The use of a QR code is one example of a uniqueidentifier that may be suitable. FIGS. 1-16 primarily describe thetechnology in the context of a single tangible object with a uniqueidentifier even though a tangible object is not necessary in allembodiments. FIGS. 17-22 primarily describe the technology in thecontext of a plurality of tangible objects with the same uniqueidentifier. In both cases, a single digital presentation is associatedwith a single unique identifier.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , the greeting card 100 includes a happy-birthdaymessage 105 and a QR code 110. Though not shown, the greeting card 100could also include stock-keeping unit (“SKU”) identifiers. The SKUidentifies the greeting card model but not the individual greeting card.In other words, all greeting cards of the same model may have the sameSKU. The SKU may be used to identify a fiducial mark pattern associatedwith the card model. Different card models may include differentfiducial marks, different arrangements of fiducial marks, and differentamounts of fiducial marks, among other differences. In aspects, the SKUand/or card design could be used to identify the card in combinationwith the QR code 110 or other identifiers. The QR code is an example ofa unique identifier.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , the sender opens a customization interface of agreeting-card application running on a mobile device 120 and takes apicture of the QR code 110 with the mobile device's camera. Thecustomization interface may provide instructions that ask the user tocapture the portion of the greeting card including the QR code 110. Inother words, the portion of the tangible object captured by the camerashould include the QR code 110. When the SKU is included on the tangibleobject, then the instruction may request that the SKU also be includedin the image. In this case, instructions could indicate that the QR code110 should be captured along with the SKU and possibly other card designfeatures. In aspects, one or more images may be requested. For example,when an SKU is located on the back of a greeting card and the QR code islocated on the front.

The customization interface and/or greeting-card application can performa quality check on the image. If the QR code 110 and/or other requestedcard features are not within the captured image, then the sender may beprompted to capture a second image. Alternatively or additionally, thequality check can be performed in real time through analysis of thevideo or gift indicia being indicated and instructions provided toadjust the camera location as needed. If the QR code 110 and otherfeatures are within the field of view, then the greeting-cardapplication instructs the user to capture an image, for example bytapping the screen.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , the sender 114 selects one or more digitalassets to associate with a digital presentation that is associated withthe greeting card 100 through the unique identifier. The digital assetsmay be identified through a customization interface provided by thegreeting-card application. The digital assets can include assets locatedon a mobile device, PC, smart pad, etc. such as existing pictures andvideos. The digital assets can include assets located on a server, suchas gift indicia or publicly or privately available pictures and videos.The digital asset may also be created through the customizationinterface. For example, the customization interface can facilitate theuser recording an audio or video message that becomes part of thedigital presentation. Back-end services, such as the user-experienceserver 702, associate digital presentations with unique identifiers. Theunique identifier is then stored in association with a reference to thedigital presentation. The unique identifiers may be used to retrieve thedigital presentations and output those assets to a recipient of thegreeting card.

The greeting-card application can include an interface through whichothers are invited to contribute content. The content provided by otherscan be combined to form a digital presentation.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , the recipient of the greeting card 100 opens thegreeting-card application in the recipient's mobile device 130 and scansthe greeting card. As before, the greeting-card application may provideinstructions to the recipient to scan an adequate portion of thetangible object.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , the greeting-card application then uses theimage captured by the recipient to retrieve the unique identifier usingthe QR code 110 and/or other identifiers. The unique identifier is thensent to the user-experience server with instructions to retrieve anydigital presentation associated with unique identifier. The digitalpresentation 132 is then provided to the recipient's mobile device 130and output to the recipient.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , a block diagram is provided showing an operatingenvironment 600 in which some embodiments of the present disclosure maybe employed. This and all arrangements described herein are set forthonly as examples. Other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines,interfaces, functions, orders, and groupings of functions, etc.) can beused in addition to or instead of those shown, and some elements may beomitted altogether for the sake of clarity. Further, many of theelements described herein are functional entities that may beimplemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction withother components, and in any suitable combination and location. Variousfunctions described herein as being performed by one or more entitiesmay be carried out by hardware, firmware, and/or software. For instance,some functions may be carried out by a processor executing instructionsstored in memory.

Among other components not shown, operating environment 600 includes anumber of user devices, such as user devices 602 a and 602 b through 602n; a number of data sources, such as data sources 604 a and 604 bthrough 604 n; server 606; user 603, and network 660. Each of theaforementioned data sources need not be a discrete datastore. Forexample, they could be the internet or any source of data that couldprovide or create a digital asset 605.

Digital asset 605, as mentioned, could be one or more videos, images,gift indicia (such as an indication of a gift such as a QR code, a linkto a gifting experience), audio, textual data, etc.).

Environment 600 shown in FIG. 6 is an example of an illustrativeoperating environment. Each of the components shown in FIG. 6 may beimplemented via any type of computing device, such as computing device1100, described in connection to FIG. 11 . These components maycommunicate with each other via network 710, which may include, withoutlimitation, one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or wide areanetworks (WANs). In exemplary implementations, network 710 comprises theInternet and/or a cellular network, amongst any of a variety of possiblepublic and/or private networks.

Any number of user devices, servers, users, and data sources may beemployed within operating environment 600 within the scope of thepresent disclosure. Each may comprise a single device or one or moredevices cooperating in a distributed environment. For instance, server606 maybe provided via one or more devices arranged in a distributedenvironment that collectively provide the functionality describedherein. Additionally, other components not shown may also be includedwithin the distributed environment.

User devices 602 a and 602 b through 602 n may comprise any type ofcomputing device capable of use by a user 603. For example, in oneembodiment, user devices 602 a through 602 n may be the type ofcomputing device described in relation to FIG. 11 herein. By way ofexample and not limitation, a user device may be embodied as a personalcomputer (PC), a laptop computer, a mobile device, a smartphone, atablet computer, a smart watch, a wearable computer, virtual realityheadset, augmented reality headset, a personal digital assistant (PDA),an MP3 player, global positioning system (GPS) or device, video player,handheld communications device, gaming device or system, entertainmentsystem, vehicle computer system, embedded system controller, a camera,remote control, a bar code scanner, a computerized measuring device,appliance, consumer electronic device, a workstation, or any combinationof these delineated devices, or any other suitable device.

User devices 602 a and 602 b through 602 n can be client devices on theclient-side of operating environment 600, while server 606 can be on theserver-side of operating environment 600. Server 606 can compriseserver-side software designed to work in conjunction with client-sidesoftware on user devices 602 a and 602 b through 602 n to implement anycombination of the features and functionalities discussed in the presentdisclosure. This division of operating environment 600 is provided toillustrate one example of a suitable environment, and there is norequirement for each implementation that any combination of server 606and user devices 602 a and 602 b through 602 n remain as separateentities.

Each user device 602 a and 602 b through 602 n can be associated withone or more users, such as user 603. The users can include sender andrecipients as described herein. Some user devices can be associated withone or more users, such as a family PC, game console, meeting room PC,electronic white board, and such. Similarly, a single user can beassociated with one or more devices, including shared devices. A usersign-in identification can be used to determine the user operating auser device at a point in time and to associate actions taken with auser record.

Data sources 604 a and 604 b through 604 n may comprise data sourcesand/or data systems, which are configured to make data available to anyof the various constituents of operating environment 600, ordigital-presentation system 700 described in connection to FIG. 7 . Forinstance, in one embodiment, one or more data sources 604 a through 604n provide (or make available for accessing) digital assets that can beincluded or combined in a digital presentation and associated withunique identifiers. The digital assets 605 can be uploaded from userdevices 602 a through 602 n and/or provided via server 606 or accessedvia other public or private networks.

Turning now to FIG. 7 , a block diagram is provided illustrating anexemplary digital-presentation system 700 in which some embodiments ofthe present disclosure may be employed. The digital-presentation system700 includes network 710, which is described in connection to FIG. 6 ,and which communicatively couples components of system 700. Thecomponents of digital-presentation system 700 may be embodied as a setof compiled computer instructions or functions, program modules,computer software services, or an arrangement of processes carried outon one or more computer systems, such as computing device 1100 describedin connection to FIG. 11 .

In one embodiment, the functions performed by components ofdigital-presentation system 700 are associated with one or moreapplications, services, or routines. In particular, such applications,services, or routines may operate on one or more user devices (such asuser device 602 a), servers (such as server 606), may be distributedacross one or more user devices and servers, or be implemented in thecloud. Moreover, in some embodiments these components ofdigital-presentation system 700 may be distributed across a network,including one or more servers (such as server 606) and client devices(such as user device 602 a), in the cloud, or may reside on a userdevice such as user device 602 a. Moreover, these components, functionsperformed by these components, or services carried out by thesecomponents may be implemented at appropriate abstraction layer(s) suchas the operating system layer, application layer, hardware layer, etc.,of the computing system(s). Alternatively, or in addition, thefunctionality of these components and/or the embodiments of thedisclosure described herein can be performed, at least in part, by oneor more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation,illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used includeField-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs),System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices(CPLDs), etc.

Additionally, although functionality is described herein with regard tospecific components shown in digital-presentation system 700, it iscontemplated that in some embodiments functionality of these componentscan be shared or distributed across other components.

The digital-presentation system 700 generally operates to identify aunique identifier on a tangible object, such as a greeting card. Theunique identifier is used to associate a digital asset, such as a video,with the greeting card. The digital asset can be retrieved when therecipient of the card scans the unique identifier. As briefly mentionedabove, each component of the digital-presentation system 700, includingthe user-experience server 702, first user device 720, second userdevice 730, third user device 750, fourth user device 752, and storage790 and their respective subcomponents, may reside on a computing device(or devices).

The user-experience server 702 is responsible for providing theserver-side of the user experience in some embodiments. Using a greetingcard as an example, the user-experience server 702 will receive a uniqueidentifier and a designated digital asset from the sender's user device.For the purpose of illustration, the first user device 720 is describedas the sender's user device and the second user device 730 is describedas the recipient's user device. The third user device 750 and fourthuser device 750 are collaborating devices. The user-experience server702 will associate the unique identifier and the digital asset togetherwithin a data store as a seed for a digital presentation.

The invitation-management component 716 sends invitations askingpotential collaborators to submit content for the digital presentation.Invitations may be tracked and follow ups provided until content isreceived or a deadline is reached. Progress notifications may beprovided to the sender. The digital-presentation builder 718 edits theoriginal digital asset provided by the sender and the additional assetsreceived from collaborators to build a digital presentation.

When the unique identifier is provided to the user-experience server 702by the recipient of the tangible item, then the digital presentation canbe retrieved and communicated to the computing device that provided theunique identifier the second time. Optionally an address, such as a URL,where a digital asset can be found can be communicated instead of thedigital asset itself.

The user-experience server 702 includes sub-components, such as digitalasset management component 712, digital presentation manager 714,unique-identifier tracker 713, invitation manager 716, anddigital-presentation builder 718. These components work together toprovide the experience described above.

The digital asset management component 712 manages digital assets andthe association of the digital asset with a unique identifier. Managingthe digital asset can include storing the digital asset. For example,pictures, videos, gift indicia, and audio recordings provided by thesender or collaborators may be stored by the digital asset managementcomponent 712. The digital assets provided by a particular sender couldbe stored in storage 790 and associated with a user profile 740 of theparticular sender. In the example shown, the media pairs 748 include adigital asset 748 a and an identifier 748 b associated with it. Aparticular user, such as the sender, may be associated with one or moremedia pairs. In instances where the digital asset is already stored inassociation with a video provider, such as a social media platform, thedigital asset 748 a could be a link or reference to the digital asset.Any method of storing or identifying the digital asset in such a waythat it may be retrieved in the future is suitable for use with thetechnology described herein.

Storing the media pairs in association with the user profile 740 canallow the user to modify the association. For example, a user thatinitially established the pairing may choose to delete the content,modify the content, etc.

The first user device 720 and the second user device 730 are provided.As mentioned, the first user device 720 can correspond to a user deviceused by a sender, while the second user device can be used by recipient.Both devices can include the same components, but these components mayperform different functions depending on whether the device is a senderor recipient.

The user-experience application 722 can perform functions on behalf ofthe sender and receiver. The functions performed by the user-experienceapplication 722 working on behalf of the sender are explained inconjunction with the user-experience application 722. Functionsperformed by a recipient are explained subsequently in association withthe description of the user experience application 732. Theuser-experience application 722 could be a cloud-based experienceprovided through a web browser. The user-experience application 722could be a specialized application that runs on the first user device720 and communicates with a back-end service.

The user-experience application 722 can initiate generation of acustomization interface by the customization interaction interfacecomponent 726. The customization interface can provide instructionsasking the user to scan a unique identifier on the tangible object. Theinstructions can use a combination of textual explanation and images.

The image capture component 724 captures an image of the uniqueidentifier and optionally an SKU. The image capture component 724 canthen send the image to the user experience application 722 for furtheruse.

The digital asset collection component 725 can provide an interface thatallows the user to select a digital asset to associate with the tangibleobject as a seed for a digital presentation. The digital assets caninclude assets located on the mobile device, such as existing picturesand videos. The digital assets can include assets located on a server,such as publicly or privately available pictures and videos. The digitalasset may also be created by the customization interface. For example,the customization interaction interface 726 can facilitate the userrecording an audio or video message that becomes the digital asset. Theunique identifier and the digital asset and/or identificationinformation for the digital asset are communicated to theuser-experience server 702. The user-experience server 702 maintains anassociation between digital assets and unique identifiers. The uniqueidentifiers may be used to retrieve the digital presentations afterdigital assets are combined and output those digital presentations to arecipient of the greeting card.

The second user device 730 is used by the recipient of the tangibleobject. For example, a sender associated with the first user device 720could mail a greeting card to the user of the second user device 730.The second user could then open the user-experience application 732 andfollow instructions provided to retrieve a digital presentationassociated with the tangible object by the first user. Theuser-experience application 732 could be a cloud-based experienceprovided through a web browser. The user-experience application 732could be a specialized application that runs on the second user device730 and communicates with a back-end service. The user-experienceapplication 732 can generate a customization interface 736 thatinstructs the user to take a picture of the QR code on the greeting cardor other tangible object. The image capture component 734 can capture animage QR code and communicate the image or code extracted from the imageto the user-experience application 732. The image or code can then becommunicated to the user-experience server 702. The user-experienceserver 702 analyzes the code and identifies the digital presentationassociated with the unique identifier generated by analysis of theimage. The digital asset collection 735 can perform functions that allowthe digital presentation to be output to the user through the seconduser device 730.

User profile 740 includes user accounts and activity data 742, userdevice information 744, user preferences 746, and media pairs 748. Useraccount(s) and activity data 742 generally includes user data related tothe sending and receiving of tangible object using the user-experienceserver. In particular, user account(s) and activity data 742 can includedata regarding user emails, texts, instant messages, calls, and othercommunications; social network accounts and data, such as news feeds;online activity; calendars, appointments, or other user data used bycomponents of the system. Embodiments of user account(s) and activitydata 742 may store information across one or more databases, knowledgegraphs, or data structures.

As discussed hereinabove, user device information 744 may includeidentification information for devices used by a single user. The userdevice information can be used for security reasons to validate a user,maintain a secure session, and for other purposes. User preferences 746can include various permissions, such as how long digital assets and theassociation between the digital assets and the unique identifier shouldbe maintained.

The user preferences can include opt-in and opt-out selections for thesharing and collection of personal information. The activity data 7 42can include a record of each digital presentation created or inprogress. In aspects, the activity data 742 can be used to associate anewly scanned unique identifier with an existing digital presentationand/or digital presentation building project. In aspects, the user maybe given an option to start a new digital presentation or link anexisting digital presentation to a unique identifier scanned for thefirst time.

FIGS. 8A-G illustrate actions taken by a sender during generation of adigital presentation, in accordance with aspects of the technologydescribed herein.

Turning now to FIG. 8A, shows a starting interface 801 for the digitalpresentation generation process. The interface 801 may be shown afterthe user logs into the digital presentation generation system. Theinterface 801 allows the sender to designate a recipient by name byentering the recipient's name in the text box 802. The sender may alsoselect a theme (not shown), background music through a music drop downinterface 803, and/or other creative aspects to be used when generatingthe digital presentation. The user may be asked to select from stockcontent provided by the digital-presentation service. The stock contentmay match the theme. Selecting the continue button 804 brings the userto the next interface.

Turning now to FIG. 8B, shows an asset-upload interface 805, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein. Theasset-upload interface 805 allows the user to generate gift indicia orvideo and/or upload pre-existing content, such as a video, photograph,or audio file to act as a seed for the collaborative content. Selectingthe preview video button 806 will play the current version of thedigital presentation video. The user may start the process of uploadinga video or photo by selecting the video upload button 807. In an aspect,the digital asset selection interface 809 is opened in response toselecting the video upload button 807. Selecting the invite a friendlink 808 will open an interface through which friends may be invited tocontribute content to the digital presentation. In an aspect, selectingthe invite a friend link opens the invitation interface 901 of FIG. 9A.

In one aspect, the asset is a digital gift card or other holder ofmonetary value. The digital gift card may not be provided in or viewablewithin the digital presentation. Instead, it may be displayed in theinterface used to view the digital presentation. It could also beseparately communicated in electronic form to the recipient upon therecipient scanning the unique identifier.

Turning now to FIG. 8C, a digital-asset selection interface 809 isshown, in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein.The digital-asset selection interface 809 gives the user the choice ofcreating content by selecting the record-a-video button 810 or selectingcontent from a library by selecting the choose-from-a-library button811. Pressing the cancel button 812 may return the user to the digitalasset-upload interface 805.

Turning now to FIG. 8D, a video creation interface 813 is shown, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein. The videocreation interface 813 allows a user to create a custom video. The videomay be created using the front-facing camera on a smartphone or tablet.Alternatively, a webcam may be used. The smartphone interface mayprovide helpful instructions, such as reminding the user to look at thecamera on the phone, rather than the screen, with a look-here arrow 815.The user may start recording by selecting the tap-to-record button 814.Once a video is recorded, the user may preview the video and thenuploaded it, if satisfied. Otherwise, the user may attempt to record asecond video and may repeat this process until the user is satisfiedwith the video created.

Turning now to FIG. 8E, a photo or video selection interface 820 isshown, in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein.The photo or video selection interface 820 allows a user to selectpre-existing photos or videos. As can be seen, a filter 822 allowseither photos or albums to be selected to help the user navigate to thedesired content. The selection interface 821 may show thumbnails of thecontent to help the user identify the correct asset to upload to thedigital-presentation service. A search box 823 is provided for the userto enter a search query meant to return a relevant video or photo.

Turning now to FIG. 8F, a confirmation interface 830 is shown, inaccordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. Theconfirmation interface 830 shows thumbnails (834, 835, and 836) of theuploaded content and a successful upload message 831. The confirmationinterface 830 allows the sender to upload additional content through theupload video button 837 and to invite others to upload content throughthe invite others button 838. Selection of the invite others button 83 8may take the user to the screen shown in FIG. 9A. Selection of the editvideo control 833 enables the user to edit the associated video. Theediting can include deleting all or part of the associated video. Thedigital presentation may be previewed by selecting the preview button832.

Turning now to FIG. 8G, a content management interface 840 is shown, inaccordance with an aspect of the technology described herein. Thecontent management interface 840 allows the user to edit the order ofcontent, add content, or delete content from the digital presentationproject. In one aspect, the added content is library content that can beplaced anywhere within the digital presentation. The library content maybe provided by a service that facilitates generation of the digitalpresentation. The library content could include a celebrity greeting,animation, or other type of content. The library content may beconsistent with a theme on the tangible object. In aspects, the uniqueidentifier is pre-associated with content that is consistent with atheme (e.g., happy birthday, happy anniversary) on the tangible object.

FIGS. 9A-F illustrate actions taken to invite others to contributecontent to the generation of a digital presentation, in accordance withaspects of the technology described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 9A, an invitation interface 900 is shown, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein. Theinvitation interface 900 is used by the sender to identify collaboratorsto which invitations to collaborate will be sent. In one aspect, theapplication may use a text system, social media application or emailapplication on a smart device to send the invitation to the potentialcollaborators. In this way, the invitation appears to be a text or emailsent from the sender to the collaborator. In another aspect, the emailaddress, social media ID, or phone number are provided by the user andthe system generates a text, email, or social media message that is sentfrom the system to the potential collaborator. Either way, theinvitation will provide a link for the collaborator to follow if thepotential collaborator chooses to participate.

A customized message to potential collaborators can be entered in textbox 902. The message provided may be included in the body of anautomatically generated message (e.g., text, email, social media post)to a potential collaborator. An automatically generated email invitationcan be generated using the email invite button 904. An automaticallygenerated text invitation can be generated using the text invite button906. The link button 908 causes a link to be displayed that may becopied and pasted into a social media post, email, text, messagingapplication, and the like.

Turning now to FIG. 9B, a collaboration management interface 910 isshown, in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein.The collaboration management interface 910 provides a notification 912when a collaborator uploads content. The collaboration managementinterface 910 shows videos or other digital asset provided bycollaborators. The videos can be viewed individually by selecting thevideo thumbnails (915, 917, and 919). The collaboration managementinterface 910 may allow the user to arrange the order in which thedigital presentations will be seen in the final digital presentation.Videos may also be deleted or shortened. The collaboration managementinterface 910 may provide an automated system that allows the sender tothank the collaborator for providing content. The collaborationmanagement interface 910 also provides a link 839 for additionalinvitations to be sent to additional potential collaborators.

Turning now to FIG. 9C, a digital presentation editing interface 920 isshown, in accordance with aspects the technology described herein. Theediting interface 920 allows the user to view the digital presentationby selecting a preview screen 922. The digital presentation may becreated by the digital-presentation system described in FIG. 7 . Thedigital presentation may start with an introductory video provided bythe digital-presentation system that is tied to the tangible object onwhich the unique identifier (e.g., QR code) is located. The introductoryvideo is an example of stock content. For example, the introductoryvideo may include a message related to a message or theme on thetangible object, such as a birthday wish, holiday wish, expression ofsympathy, or the like. The digital assets provided by the sender andcollaborators may be merged to form a video that is then concluded withcontent provided by the digital-presentation service.

The digital presentation may end with stock terminal content. Theterminal content may be stock content tied to the theme on the tangibleobject and complement the introductory content provided by thedigital-presentation service. The terminal content and introductorycontent may match the theme on the card. The theme may be occasionbased. Example occasions include, but are not limited to, ananniversary, birthday, holiday, graduation, get well, condolences, andthe like. The theme may also be aesthetic, such as using the same art,colors, fonts, and the like.

Once satisfied with the digital presentation the sender may finalize itby selecting the finalize button 924. If the user is not satisfied, thenselecting the back-to-editing button 926 will return the user tocollaboration management interface 910 through which the video mayedited. A digital link may then be sent to the recipient for electronicviewing. The recipient may also access the digital presentation byscanning the QR code on the card. This provides two means of access forthe collaborative content. In aspects, digital links to thecollaborative content may be sent to the collaborators who providedcontent. In this way, the collaborators may view the digitalpresentation sent to the recipient.

Turning now to FIG. 9D, a confirmation interface 930 is shown inresponse to the user selecting the done button 934. If the user does notconfirm that the digital presentation is finalized by selecting the donebutton 934, then the user is taken back to the digital presentationediting interface 920 for further editing. Pressing the cancel button936 also causes the user to be taken back to the digital presentationediting interface 920 for further editing. Otherwise, the digitalpresentation is finalized upon receiving confirmation in one embodiment.

Turning now to FIG. 9E, a sharing interface 940 is shown, in accordancewith an aspect of the technology described herein. The sharing interface940 allows the sender to view the digital presentation by selecting thepreview screen 941. The sharing interface 940 also allows the user todesignate email addresses 944 or phone numbers 942 through which a linkto the digital presentation may be shared. The sender may select anyuser they wish to share the digital presentation with. This can includethe intended recipient, collaborators, friends, or anyone else theychoose to share the digital presentation with. The sharing interface 940also includes a link generation button 946 that allows a link to thedigital presentation to be copied easily into social media, a webpage,or some other communication medium.

FIGS. 10A-G illustrate actions taken to edit and finalize a digitalpresentation, in accordance with aspects of the technology describedherein.

Turning now to FIG. 10A, a text invitation interface 1000 is shown, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein. Thecommunication means used to send an invitation to a collaborator caninclude text, email, and social media. These methods may be selected bythe user initiating generation of a digital presentation. Thedigital-presentation application on a sender's device may have access tothe sender's contact list and select the text numbers from the list ofdesignated collaborators. A single collaborator could be contactedthrough one or more communication means. For example, an email and textcould be sent to the same collaborator. The text invitation 1002 caninclude a link 1004 that the user may select. In response to selectingthe link 1004, a customization interface through which content can beuploaded may be opened. The customization interface may be the uploadinterface 1020.

Turning now to FIG. 10B, an email invitation interface 1010 is shown, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein. As with thetext invitation, the email invitation interface 1010 provides a link1012 the user can select to access a customization interface.

Turning now to FIG. 10C, a digital-asset-upload interface 1020 is shown,in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein. Thedigital-asset-upload interface 1020 provides an upload button 1022 forthe user to upload content. The content can be uploaded from the user'sdevice or from some other source, such as cloud storage. In an aspect,one button allows the user to create content by recording a video. Asecond button allows the user select previously created content. In oneaspect, a link to example digital presentation video is provided to helpthe receiver think of a relevant and appropriate content to upload.

Turning now to FIG. 10D, a digital-asset-selection interface 1030 isshown, in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein.The selection interface 1030 includes a record video button 1032 tofacilitate creating content or a selection button 1034 to selectexisting content from a library. The user may press cancel 1036 toreturn to a previous interface.

Turning now to FIG. 10E, a photo or video selection interface 1040 isshown, in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein.The photo or video selection interface 1040 allows a user to selectpre-existing photos or videos. As can be seen, a filter 1042 allowseither photos or albums to be selected to help the user navigate to thedesired content. The selection interface 1040 includes a thumbnailinterface 1046 to help the user identify the correct asset to upload tothe digital-presentation service. The search box 1044 allows the user tosearch for existing content by name or other feature.

Turning now to FIG. 10F, a video-creation interface 1050 is shown, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein. Thevideo-creation interface 1050 allows a user to create a custom video.The video may be created using the front-facing camera on a smartphoneor tablet. Alternatively, a webcam may be used. The smartphone interfacemay provide helpful instructions, such as reminding the user to look atthe camera on the phone, rather than the screen, with a look-here arrow1052. The user may start recording by selecting the tap-to-record button1054. Once a video is recorded, the user may preview the video and thenuploaded it if satisfied. Otherwise, the user may attempt to record asecond video and may repeat this process until the user is satisfiedwith the video created.

Turning now to FIG. 10G, an upload confirmation interface 1060 is shown,in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein. Theconfirmation interface 1060 provides a confirmation message 1062 thatconfirms to the collaborator that the content has been uploaded and nofurther actions are required on behalf of the collaborator. It should benoted that while the selection of videos and photos is illustrated, thecontent can also include an audio file, and animation, and the like. Abrowse video greetings button 1064 allows the recipient to start a newdigital presentation.

FIGS. 12A-C illustrate actions taken to view a digital presentation, inaccordance with aspects of the technology described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 12A, a text reception interface 1201 for a digitalpresentation is shown, in accordance with aspects of the technologydescribed herein. The text reception interface 1201 includes a link 1202for the recipient to follow in order to access the digital presentation,which may be opened in a web browser or other application.

Turning now to FIG. 12B, an email reception interface 1210 for a digitalpresentation is shown, in accordance with aspects of the technologydescribed herein. The email reception interface 1210 includes a link1212 for the recipient to follow in order to access the digitalpresentation, which may be opened in a web browser or other application.

Turning now to FIG. 12C, a digital presentation viewing interface 1220is shown, in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein.The viewing interface 1220 may be shown in a web browser or otherapplication after the user selects a link in an email or text. Theviewing interface 1220 may also be accessed by selecting a uniqueidentifier (e.g., QR code) on a greeting card or other tangible object.The viewing interface 1220 includes a media player 1222 for the digitalpresentation. The viewing interface 1220 includes a thank-you interface.

The thank-you interface allows the recipient to send a text message oremail to the sender and/or one or more collaborators with a thank youmessage. In aspects, the selection of either the text message button1225 or email link 1226 will cause an email application or textapplication to open and be populated with the address or phone number ofa sender or collaborator. Template message content may also be providedin the text or email. The thank you text or email can also include alink to the digital presentation to allow the sender or collaborator toeasily view the digital presentation again. A browse video greetingsbutton 1228 allows the recipient to start a new digital presentation.

FIGS. 13A-D illustrate a greeting card with an obscured uniqueidentifier that is linked to a digital presentation, in accordance withaspects of the technology described herein. The unique identifier couldbe printed on one or more greeting cards and/or one or more tangibleobjects. Turning now to FIG. 13A, an unconstructed greeting card 1300with an obscured unique identifier is shown (which could be obscured viafolding and unobscured when unfolded). Generally, in the firstembodiment, the greeting card 1300 includes a cover/first panel 1302, anintermediary/second panel 1304, and an end/third panel 1306. Alternateembodiments are contemplated, with more or fewer panels, different foldlines, different securement mechanisms or couplings, and differentpositioning of the obscured unique identifier. The embodiments are notlimited to those described in the figures. A variety of fold patternscould be used, such as a Z pattern, gate fold, heirlooms, horizontalformat, vertical formats, apron fold, flip fold, infolds, multifold,money card, pop fold, mechanic fold, egg fold, and the like. Forexample, an L-fold configuration is also contemplated, wherein firstpanel 1302 would be folded in an asymmetrical or non-linear manner withrespect to second and/or third panels 1304 and 1306, with an offsetwindow in second panel 1304 for example, also allowing for theidentifier to be viewed through the offset window.

Referring now to FIG. 13A, a front perspective view of a firstembodiment of an unconstructed greeting card 1300 is depicted, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention. The first embodimentof the greeting card 1300 is formed from a single piece of card stockthat is die cut and folded to provide three panels, namely, a coverpanel 1302, an intermediary panel 1304, and an end panel 1306. It shouldbe noted that the term “die cut” should be interpreted broadly to coverall types of cutting the shape out of a piece of material or stock (e.g.laser, scissors, etc.). Similarly, while “card stock” is identified inthe described example, the invention is not so limited. The phrase “cardstock” should be interpreted broadly to cover other types of material,such as plastics, synthetic paper, etc.

The cover panel 1302 has a first side 1308 (e.g., a front side) and asecond side 1310 (e.g., a back side) and is coupled to the intermediarypanel 1304 along a first fold line 1303. It should be noted that theterm “fold line” as used herein should be interpreted broadly to coverall types of bends, scores, rules, creases, perforations, etc. Theintermediary panel 1304 has a first side 1312 (e.g., a front side) and asecond side 1314 (e.g., a back side) and is coupled to the end panel1306 along a second fold line 1305. The end panel 1306 has a first side1316 (e.g., a front side) and a second side 1318 (e.g., a back side).

The panels 1302, 1304, and 1306 may be folded together such that theyare in a stacked arrangement, with the first side 1308 of the coverpanel 1302 positioned as a first front outside surface of the greetingcard 1300 and the second side 1318 of the end panel 1306 positioned as arear outside surface of the of the greeting card 1300. Additionally, inthis stacked arrangement, the second/back side 1310 of the cover panel1302 and the second/back side 1314 of the intermediary panel 1304 arefacing each other and are preferably coupled together (e.g., byadhesive) in an abutting relationship. Illustrative adhesive 1350 isshown in FIG. 13F.

Further, in this stacked arrangement, which is illustrated in FIGS. 13C,13D, and 13F, the first/front side 1312 of the intermediary panel 1304and the first/front side 1316 of the end panel 1306 may be facing eachother. This arrangement, as shown in FIG. 13F, provides for theappearance of a typical two-panel greeting card that can be opened andclosed. For example, in FIG. 13C, the cover panel 1302 is not visiblebecause it is folded behind and obscured by intermediate panel 1304(except for the QR code or other identifier visible though the void inthe intermediate panel).

This Z-type configuration and the various sides are also illustrated inFIG. 13E. FIG. 13E also shows a sticker embodiment whereby identifier1340 is affixed to the back side 1310 of cover panel 1302 such that,when folded, it is visible through an aperture of intermediate panel1304. Although FIG. 13E may appear to have gap between sticker 1340 andback side 1310, that is merely to be able to represent a thin stickersubject to the drawing requirements of a patent application. In such anembodiment, there would not actually be any such gap.

The aperture can take the form of a void or window. FIG. 13E also helpsillustrate an overall first or front surface defined by front sides1308, 1312, and 1316 as well as on overall second or rear surfacedefined by back sides 1310, 1314, and 1318. Numeral 1340 could take on avariety of forms, such being or linking to a digital game, a monetarygift, an experiential gift where, for example, the recipient couldchoose the gift, be customized to the scanner's location, a playlist, acustomized video or picture or sound, a countdown with personalizeditems for each day, an invitation & countdown to a party/event, aletter, stitched-together photos and videos, an avatar of friends/familyto represent them in videos, a GIF animation, a live camera feed orexclusive view, an AR overlay on travel destinations chosen by sender(e.g. versions of an Eiffel tower experience), a 360-degree videoexperience, humorous content, and the like.

By forming the greeting card 1300 from a single unitary piece of cardstock, the die-cut card stock may be run through a printer prior tobeing folded to print a design, coloring, a pattern, sentiment or otherindicia on one or both sides of the greeting card 1300. For printing,the greeting card 1300 may lie flat and is in a flat, unfoldedconfiguration, such as just after the die-cutting process. Thisarrangement and use of three panels allows the die cut blank to bepassed through a single sided printer, yet still provide printing on allthree surfaces of the greeting card 1300 when it is formed.

The intermediary panel 1304 includes a removable tab 1334 in oneembodiment defined by an edge 1332. The removable tab 1334 is centeredin the middle of the intermediary panel 1304. Embodiments may includeremovable tabs located elsewhere or no tabs, e.g., a void 1335 (FIG.13G). As shown in FIG. 13D, the window 1335 created by removing (ornever including) the removable tab 1334 makes a QR code, or other uniqueidentifier, printed on (including affixed to) the back side 1310 of thecover panel 1302 visible to a user. In embodiments, the removable tab1334 may include a second copy of the QR code on the back side. Thegreeting card 1300 may be sold with the removable tab 1334 attached. Apurchaser may then remove the tab to expose the QR code and start theprocess of building a unique digital presentation. The removable tab1334 deters a person from scanning the QR before purchasing the card.

Referring now to FIG. 13B, a back perspective view of a first embodimentof an unconstructed greeting card 1300 is depicted, in accordance withan aspect of the present invention. The cover panel 1302 has a firstside 1308 and a second side 1310 and is coupled to the intermediarypanel 1304 along a first fold line 1303. It should be noted that theterm “fold line” as used herein should be interpreted broadly to coverall types of bends, scores, rules, creases, perforations, etc.

The intermediary panel 1304 has a first side 1312 and a second side 1314and is coupled to the end panel 1306 along a second fold line 1305. Theend panel 1306 has a first side 1316 and a second side 1318. The panels1302, 1304, and 1306 may be folded together such that they are in astacked arrangement, with the first side 1308 of the cover panel 1302positioned as a first front outside surface of the greeting card 1300and the second side 1318 of the end panel 1306 positioned as a rearoutside surface of the of the greeting card 1300. Additionally, in thisstacked arrangement, the second side 1319 of the cover panel 1302 andthe second side 1314 of the intermediary panel 1304 are facing eachother and are preferably coupled together (e.g., by adhesive) in anabutting relationship. Further, in this stacked arrangement, which isillustrated in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the first side 1312 of theintermediary panel 1304 and the first side 1316 of the end panel 1306may be facing each other. This arrangement presents the appearance of astandard two panel greeting card that can be opened and closed.

The intermediary panel 1304 includes a removable tab 1334 defined by aperforated edge 1332. Though shown as a rectangle, the removable tab1334 could be any suitable shape, such as a triangle, oval, circle,trapezoid, and the like. The removable tab 1334 is centered in themiddle of the intermediary panel 1304. Embodiments may include removabletabs located elsewhere. As shown in FIG. 13D, the opening created byremoving the removable tab 1334 makes a QR code 1340, or other uniqueidentifier, printed on the back side 1310 of the cover panel 1302visible to a user. One method of printing the QR code 1340 on the coverpanel 1302 includes affixing a printout with the QR code 1340 to thepanel. In aspects, a human readable version (not shown) of a uniquenumber and/or alphanumeric sequence encoded in the unique identifier maybe printed above the unique identifier 1340.

The human readable rendition of the information encoded within theunique identifier 1340 can assist with a quality check duringmanufacturing of the greeting card. In embodiments, the removable tab1334 may include a second QR code 1335 that is identical to the QR code1340. The second QR code 1335 would be obscured when the panels are in astacked arrangement. The greeting card 1300 may be sold with theremovable tab 1334 attached. A purchaser may then remove the removabletab 1334 to expose the QR code and start the process of building aunique digital presentation. The sender could keep the removable tab1334 and use the second QR code 1335 to access the digital presentation.The removable tab 1334 deters a person from scanning the QR beforepurchasing the card.

Turning now to FIG. 13C, a view of the greeting card 1300 is shown in aformed and semi-open configuration, in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention. The panels 1302, 1304, and 1306, are folded along thefold lines 1303 and 1305 to bring the panels 1302 and 1304 and 1306together into a presentation arrangement. The unique identifier isobscured behind the removable tab 1334. The perforations on theperforated edge 1332 and finger slot 1350 make removal of the removabletab 1334 a simple task for a sender or purchaser of the card.

The view shown in FIG. 13C is of the inside of the card after opening.The removable tab 1334 provides instructions to remove the removable tab1334 and scan the QR code. A birthday message is on the right side ofthe card 1355. Each card may include printed content associated with atheme (e.g., occasion, occasion/recipient, event, event/recipient). Thetheme may be specific or generic. For example, a generic birthday cardvs. niece birthday card.

Turning now to FIG. 13D, shows the same greeting card 1300 as shown inFIG. 13A, but with the removable tab 1334 removed and the QR code 1340exposed. The QR code 1340 may encode a unique identifier, a URL for thedigital-presentation service, and a SKU for the greeting card. Incombination, the SKU and unique identifier may form a uniqueidentification for the specific card.

The SKU can be used by the digital-presentation service to selectbook-end content for the digital presentation. For example (see also,FIG. 22 ), a video introduction 2212 with aesthetics and a message thatcomplements a message 2214 on the greeting card may be selected. Forexample, a greeting card with a happy-birthday message may be pairedwith introductory video 2212 with an audio of the happy birthday songalong with graphics and animation 2214 that are similar to the design onthe card. The example shown in FIG. 13D, a dancing bottle with the word“cheers” on it may sing happy birthday to be paired with the bottle onthe greeting card. Concluding art or content 2216 may also be used toenhance the video or other digital presentation. For example, an endingmessage of have a great birthday could conclude the digitalpresentation.

Thus, a digital presentation could start with an introduction that isprovided by a content provider. The introduction video could beaesthetically and thematically linked to the greeting card or othertangible object on which the QR code is located. The video couldcontinue with custom birthday videos created by the sender and othercollaborators and then conclude with content provided by thecollaboration service that is tied to the theme and aesthetics of thegreeting card. In aspects, content is provided by the collaborationservice in between the various messages. The intermediary content canserve as introductions to the different sections of the video. Theintroductions could tie the theme of the tangible object and to aparticular collaborator. For example, the intermediary content couldcommunicate that “grandmas are special” or “grandma loves you” andintroduce a video from grandma to a grandchild. Thus, both the tangibleobject and stock content in the digital presentation may have the sametheme. Unique stock content may be provided for each model of tangibleobject. For example, a specific greeting card model (e.g., SKU) may haveunique stock content available. Thus, the same template stock contentmay be used for all models of the same SKU and may be unique to themodel. Alternatively, template stock content may also be used on one ormore card models (e.g., SKUs) with similar themes. For example, the samestock content may be used for one or more birthday card models. In thisway, different unique identifiers may be pre-linked (e.g., at printing)to stock content that matches the theme of the card on which the uniqueidentifier is printed.

In some aspects, the unique identifier printed within the greeting cardmay be decorative, having both a visual appearance for a card recipientand scannable features for a computing device. In further embodiments,the unique identifier may be visible to the card purchaser upon viewingan exposed surface of the greeting card, while in other embodiments, aunique identifier may be partially and/or temporarily obstructed fromview. For example, a scannable unique identifier may be printed on aparticular surface of a greeting card such that, during manufacturing,the unique identifier may be printed on a manufacturing-accessiblesurface.

Upon further processing, including one or more of cutting, folding,gluing, or taping, the greeting card may be configured in such a way toobscure the unique identifier-printed surface and protect the uniqueidentifier from being scanned by anyone other than the card purchaser.In some aspects, the greeting card may include an integrated element,such as a die-cut, sticker, tear-away, peel-off, or other perforated ormanipulated element of the card structure that reveals the uniqueidentifier for scanning by the card sender in establishing thecollaborative content, and scanning by the card recipient in retrievalof the contributed digital compilation.

In further aspects of the invention, based on having a plurality ofunique identifiers associated with a single SKU of manufactured tangibleitems, a system for uniquely printing a distinct unique identifier ontoeach of the tangible items may include a batched variable print dataserver that is coupled to the printing system that, upon receipt ofindividual print jobs, manufactures a series of uniquely identifiablegreeting cards, each having common SKU card content with at least oneitem of uniquely different, printed content. In some aspects, both aunique identifier and a unique user-readable code may be printed onto(including affixing a printout onto) each individual card from aparticular batch of unique greeting cards. In further aspects, a uniqueprint job for a unique identifier on a particular greeting card mayinclude identifying a particular print region within a greeting carddesign, orienting the printing of the unique identifier in context ofthe surrounding greeting card design, and printing the unique identifieronto the properly oriented portion of the greeting card. In someaspects, based on the printing of a batch of unique identifiers onto abatch of commonly designed greeting cards, the system for manufacturinguniquely identifiable greeting cards may produce similar SKU carddesigns with variable unique identifier features corresponding tovariable customization zones within each card.

In aspects, a single unique identifier may be assigned to all items in abatch of a tangible objects. For example, all cards in a box of greetingcards may be printed with the same unique identifier. This arrangementallows a single collaborative object to be associated with one or moretangible objects through the common unique identifier. In addition, oneor more tangible objects with different unique identifiers may beassociated with a single collaborative object, as explained in moredetail subsequently. Retail Display

Turning now to FIG. 14 , an exemplary digital presentation previewexperience may be provided in a retail environment. The previewexperience may be provided as part of a tangible item product displayhaving a scanning feature for generating a digital presentation preview.Upon scanning a unique machine-readable code, a preview of the digitalcontent included with the digital presentation experience may bedisplayed prior to purchasing the greeting card. In one aspect, anexample digital presentation is shown to the user.

In one embodiment, the tangible item is a greeting card (not shown), andthe product display may include a retail merchandizing componentfeaturing a unique machine-readable code 1406 that a consumer couldscan. The retail merchandizing component may be an insert 1400 that sitsbehind greeting cards (and envelopes) in a greeting card slot within agreeting card rack. The insert 1400 may have a lower portion 1408 thatis obscured by the greeting cards and envelopes in the card slot. Incontrast to the lower portion 1008, the upper portion 1402 is, at leastpartially, visible above the greeting cards and envelopes.

The upper portion 1402 may include a card description 1404 or categoryand a machine-readable code 1406. In this example, the machine-readablecode is a QR code. Each unique card may have card-specific digitalpresentation stock content. Accordingly, each insert 1400 may include aunique machine-readable code 1406 to enable a potential purchaser toview the specific stock content and/or example digital presentationbuilt with the specific stock content.

In further aspects, because the unique identifier code (non-preview) isobscured within at least a portion of the greeting card structure sothat the card purchaser is unable to preview the digital contentaccompanying the tangible greeting card product, the product informationdisplay may provide an indication of the type of digital contentmentassociated with that tangible item being sold at retail. In the exampleof the greeting card, the unique indicator preview may be represented asa triangle-shaped scannable code or QR code on the sample productinformation display (PID) insert 1400. In this example, prior topurchasing the greeting card displayed adjacent to this particular PID,the consumer may determine whether the tangible item features bothphysical and digital characteristics of a greeting card that they wishto purchase and eventually present to their card recipient.

As such, the complete and/or non-preview version of the uniqueidentifier may be present in and potentially obscured from view (e.g.,behind a tab) or protected from access by all potential purchasers. Theunique identifier preview code 1406 may be scanned by a potential cardpurchaser to launch a preview of the digital component of thecorresponding greeting card. In further aspects, at least a portion ofthe unique identifier code for each tangible product SKU may be imbeddedwithin a PID icon for Video Greetings-enabled products, such thatscanning the embedded code sample launches a video preview of thedigital component (animation, music, theme, etc.) accompanying thespecific tangible item. As mentioned, a different theme may be used forstock content (e.g., music, starting video, end video, banners, sidebars, stickers, wallpaper, or other creative/editorial content) may beprovided for different SKUs. For example, birthday theme may beassociated with a birthday card and a graduation theme associated with agraduation card. Providing a preview identifier for each SKU (or groupof SKU s with the same theme) allows an SKU specific theme to be viewedby the purchaser prior to purchase. Example Methods

Referring now to FIG. 15 , a flow diagram is provided depicting a method1500 for generating a digital presentation, in accordance with aspectsof the technology described herein. The method 1500 comprises acomputing process that may be performed using any combination ofhardware, firmware, and/or software. For instance, various functions maybe carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory.The methods may also be embodied as computer-usable instructions storedon computer storage media. The method may be provided by a standaloneapplication, a service or hosted service (standalone or in combinationwith another hosted service), to name a few. In addition, method 1500 isdescribed, by way of example, with respect to the features of FIGS. 1-12. However, these methods may additionally or alternatively be executedby any one system, or any combination of systems, including, but notlimited to, those described herein.

At step 1510, the method 1500 includes obtaining from a first userdevice a unique identifier located on the tangible object. At step 1520,the method 1500 includes receiving an instruction to associate theunique identifier with the digital presentation. At step 1530, themethod 1500 includes receiving a first digital asset from a first userof the first user device. At step 1540, the method 1500 includesreceiving a second digital asset from a second user of a second userdevice. At step 1550, the method 1500 includes using the first digitalasset and the second digital asset to build the digital presentation. Atstep 1560, the method 1500 includes associating the unique identifierand the digital presentation together within a data store.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , a flow diagram is provided depicting a method1600 for printing a tangible object with an obscured unique identifier,in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein. At step1610, the method 1600 includes printing a unique identifier on a firstsurface a first card panel of a greeting card body. A unique identifier,such as a QR code, radio-frequency identification tag (RFID), NFC tag,and/or unique design, may be located on the tangible object and used toassociate the tangible object with the digital presentation. As usedherein, a unique identifier may include a unique machine-readable numberand/or alphanumeric sequence encoded by the unique identifier. Theunique identifier allows an associated tangible object to bedifferentiated from all of other similar tangible objects.

The unique identifier may be assigned to a card model during or beforethe printing process. In an aspect, the computerized printing system mayselect from unique identifiers allocated to a particular SKU whenprinting. Alternatively, the unique identifiers are randomly chosen andthe unique identifier is scanned after printing and associated with theSKU that is also printed on the card. The scanning may occur prior tofolding the card stock into the stacked position described withreference to FIG. 13 . At the conclusion of the printing process, theprinting system/digital-presentation system knows what card SKU isassociated with each unique identifier. The unique identifier may thenbe associated with appropriate stock content within thedigital-presentation system. The user is then able to see the correctstock content when creating the digital presentation without providingadditional details about the greeting card model. The stock content caninclude and introduction, transitions, and terminal content. The stockcontent can match the content on the greeting card.

At step 1620, the method 1600 includes applying a cut to a portion of asecond card panel of the greeting card body to form a perforated tab. Aperforated tab has been described with reference to FIG. 13 , forexample, with the removable tab 1334.

At step 1630, the method 1600 includes folding the greeting card body tocause the perforated tab to at least partially obscure the uniqueidentifier. The stacked arrangement of panels has been described withreference to FIG. 13 and serves to obscure the unique identifier.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate actions taken to add an existing digitalpresentation to a unique identifier, in accordance with aspects of thetechnology described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 17 , an introductory interface 1700 is shown, inaccordance with an aspect of the technology describe herein. Theintroductory interface 1700 may be shown upon the scanning a uniqueidentifier and/or opening a user-experience application 722. Theintroductory interface 1700 helps a user understand how the applicationworks. The user can view a tutorial by selecting the “watch a quickhow-to” button 1702. The user may choose to move to the next interfaceby selecting the continue button 1704. The user may sign into theiraccount through the sign-in link 1706. The user can navigate through ananimation 1708 showing how to add videos to include gift indication orto form a collaborative (or single-person) greeting. Selecting thecontinue button 1702 may bring the user to a collaborative-asset linkinginterface 1800.

Turning now to FIG. 18 , a collaborative-asset linking interface 1800 isshown, in accordance with an aspect of the technology describe herein.The collaborative-asset linking interface 1800 allows the user to starta new digital presentation or link the unique identifier to an existingdigital presentation. The collaborative-asset linking interface 1800allows the user to navigate to a series of interfaces that help the usercreate a new digital presentation by selecting the new video greetingbutton 1802.

Selecting the new video greeting button 1802 may bring the user tostarting interface 801. Selecting the existing video greeting button1804 brings the user to an interface that facilitates linking a uniqueidentifier with an existing digital presentation. Linking a uniqueidentifier with an existing digital presentation can result in twounique identifiers being linked to a single digital presentation. Thereare many situations where linking one or more unique identifiers to asingle digital presentation is beneficial. For example, a first box ofgreeting cards may all be associated with a single unique identifier.However, the user may wish to send more greeting cards than the amountprovided in a single box. In this example, an unlimited number ofgreeting cards could be linked to the unique identifier by scanning asingle instance of a unique identifier associated with a box of cards.In this way, all cards in the box could be linked to the digitalpresentation. As an example use case, a user could engage their familyto generate a holiday greeting video and then link the video to uniqueidentifiers associated with one or more greeting cards or other tangibleobjects. In this way, all recipients would be able to view the singleholiday greeting video through cards or other objects having differentunique identifiers.

In one aspect, linking to an existing digital presentation can result inone or more new digital presentations. The new digital presentations caninclude the same user-provided content, but different themed contentprovided by the service. The themed content can include an introductionvideo, conclusion video, music, artwork, color schemes, and the like. Inorder to create a new digital presentation, the theme content from theexisting digital presentation is removed and replaced.

For example, a grandparent may wish to give a different ornament to eachgrandchild. The ornaments could be selected with a design suited to thechild. The grandparent may complete the process of generating a digitalpresentation and linking it to a first ornament. For example, eachgrandchild could be invited to share a favorite memory from the year toinclude in the digital presentation. Each ornament could have adifferent unique identifier. The unique identifiers on the group ofornaments can all be linked to the same user-provided content (e.g., aholiday greeting video) by linking to the first digital presentation.However, because the introduction and conclusion to the video may beautomatically provided by the digital-presentation service to match atheme of an individual ornament, a series of new digital presentationscould be generated with theme content that matches the individualornament. In this instance, the end result is an existing digitalpresentation becomes a series of digital presentations, each linked to asingle unique identifier.

In another aspect, the sender could also start with an existing digitalpresentation by linking an existing collaborative object to new uniqueidentifier. The sender could then edit the digital presentation byadding content or subtracting content to create a new digitalpresentation. Upon making an edit, the sender could be asked whether theexisting digital presentation should be changed or a new digitalpresentation created.

Turning now to FIG. 19 , a finalization interface 1900 is provided,according to aspects of the technology described herein. Thefinalization interface 1900 allows the user to review a digitalpresentation and then finalized it. The digital presentation may bereviewed in the media player 1902. The digital presentation may befinalized by selecting the “finish” button 1904. Upon finalizing thedigital presentation, the digital presentation may be saved andtransitioned to view mode. The mode associated with the digitalpresentation can change the default user experience after scanning theunique identifier. In view mode, the digital presentation isautomatically played upon scanning the associated unique identifier.View mode is meant of the recipient. In collaboration mode, thecustomization interface, which invites people to add content, may bedisplayed.

Referring now to FIG. 20 , a flow diagram is provided depicting a method2000 for generating a digital presentation, in accordance with aspectsof the technology described herein. The method 2000 comprises acomputing process that may be performed using any combination ofhardware, firmware, and/or software. For instance, various functions maybe carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory.The methods may also be embodied as computer-usable instructions storedon computer storage media. The method may be provided by a standaloneapplication, a service or hosted service (standalone or in combinationwith another hosted service), to name a few. In addition, method 2000 isdescribed, by way of example, with respect to the features of thecorresponding figures described herein. However, these methods mayadditionally or alternatively be executed by any one system, or anycombination of systems, including, but not limited to, those describedherein.

At step 2010, the method 2000 includes obtaining from a first userdevice a first instance of a unique identifier located on the tangibleobject. At step 2020, the method 2000 includes receiving an instructionto associate the first instance of the unique identifier with thedigital presentation. At step 2030, the method 2000 includes receiving afirst digital asset from a first user of the first user device. At step2040, the method 2000 includes receiving a second digital asset from asecond user of a second user device.

At step 2050, the method 2000 includes using the first digital asset andthe second digital asset to build the digital presentation. At step2060, the method 2000 includes associating the first instance of theunique identifier and the digital presentation together within a datastore. At step 2070, the method 2000 includes obtaining a secondinstance of a unique identifier located on a second tangible object. Atstep 2080, the method 2000 includes receiving an instruction toassociate the second instance of the unique identifier with the digitalpresentation. At step 2090, the method 2000 includes associating thesecond instance of the unique identifier and the digital presentationtogether within the data store.

Referring now to FIG. 21 , a flow diagram is provided depicting a method2100 for printing a tangible object with an obscured unique identifier,in accordance with aspects of the technology described herein. At step2110, the method 2100 includes obtaining from a first user device aunique identifier located on one or more tangible objects. At step 2120,the method 2100 includes receiving identification information for anexisting digital presentation. At step 2130, the method 2100 includesreceiving an instruction to associate the unique identifier with theexisting digital presentation. At step 2140, the method 2100 includesassociating the unique identifier and the existing digital presentationtogether within a data store.

Turning now to FIG. 22 , another illustrative operating environment 2200suitable for practicing an embodiment of the disclosed technology isprovided. System 2200 is similar to and shares aspects with othersystems and operating environments described herein, such as that ofFIG. 6 or FIG. 7 and components in FIG. 11 .

System 2200 facilitates presenting a customization user interface 2210on a computing device. User interface 2210 receives instructions oncustomizing a digital presentation 2218, which includes prependedcontent 2212, a digital asset 2214, and appended content 2216 in oneembodiment.

Prepended content 2212 could be personalized introduction, such as acustom greeting, text message, format, etc. Likewise, appended content2216 could be a custom salutation, parting photograph, ending message,etc.

Digital asset 2214 can take on a variety of forms. It might be a QR code2214A, pictures 2214B, movie 2214C, web link 2214D, game 2214E, otherindication of value 2214F, and the like. In some embodiments, formattingaspects of prepended content 2212 are automatically proposed to a userbased on one or more features, such as characteristics of a sender,digital asset 2214, or characteristics of the recipient. Digital asset2214 can be associated with supplementary information 2228 that dictatesconditions to play the digital asset or receive items of value.

Consider the scenario when a sender might want to send someone cash, ora cash-like equivalent via popular apps such the Cash App, Venmo,PayPal, and the like. An embodiment of the disclosed technology providesan alternative or additional way to convey such a gift. Instead ofmerely sending a QR code, a sender could prepend content 2212 and/orinclude appended content 2216 that is contextually relevant to thesender, gift, recipient, occasion, location, historical information,time of year, etc.

The digital asset, although including a QR code 2214A, might be a gamethat the recipient has to play to receive the unit of value, or a seriesof questions that must be correctly answered, or a riddle—dictated bysupplementary information 2228, which can be part of digital asset 2214or stored in connection with it in database 2224. For example,supplementary information 2228 might preclude conveying value (money, adigital present, etc.) unless the recipient device 2226 is in a certainlocation, such as that of a first date, or until a certain date arrives,such as an anniversary.

Digital presentation 2218 is associated with a unique identifier 2200.The association of the two can be stored in a table 2222 and stored in adatastore 2224, which is reachable by one or more servers 2228. Thus,when a recipient device 2226 communicates the unique identifier 2218 tothe system (e.g., by way of server 2228), the applicable digitalpresentation 2218 is identifiable and caused to be presented on remotedevice 2226.

Turning now to FIG. 23 , an illustrative method for conveying acustomized digital presentation 2218 is provided. At a step 2310, anindication of a unique identifier is received that is associated with adigital presentation. For example, unique identifier 2218 is received byserver 2228 from remote device 2226. For example, a user may have usedremove device 2226 (which is remote with respect to server 2228) to scana QR code (or follow a web link, etc.), leading to conveying arepresentation 2218 of the unique identifier to server 2228 (which couldbe a variation of user-experience server 702). And as mentioned, QR code2214A (part of presentation 2218 in one embodiment) could be a digitalrepresentation of value in that it is useable to convey a gift, monetaryamount, etc. to a recipient.

At a step 2312, a datastore is referenced to identify the digitalpresentation. For example, datastore 2224 is referenced, leading todetermining that presentation 2218 is associated with unique identifier2220, which could be a QR code, a bar code, an alpha-numeric string, anRFID component, an NFC component, etc.

At a step 2314, the digital presentation is caused to be presented viathe remote computing device. For example, server 2228 could retrieve thedata associated with presentation 2218 and have it conveyed (though oneor more networks not shown) to remote device 2226, up which it ispresented to a user. In one embodiment, this would include presentingthe digital representation of value (e.g., QR code 2214A) consistentwith a set of presentation instructions. Alternatively or additionally,other components could be presented as part of presentation 2218, suchas items 2214B0F, which could include a digital game, a monetary gift, aselection of items from which the recipient could choose a gift, an itemcustomized to the recipient's location at the time of redemption, anexperiential gift that requires recipient engagement to receive anultimate gift, a song playlist, a video playlist, a customized video, acustomized set of pictures, a customized set of sounds, a time-delayedthat is receivable only upon the occurrence of a timed countdown, aninvitation, a letter, an avatar associated with the recipient or others,a live camera feed, or an augmented-reality presentation.

Turning now to FIG. 24 , another illustrative method carried out by aset of computer-executable instructions in accordance with an embodimentof the disclosed technology is provided. At a step 2410, an instructionis received to include a first digital asset (e.g., 2214A-F) as part ofa digital presentation 2218. At a step 2412, a determination of a firstmedia component 2212 to prepend to the first digital asset is made. Thisdetermination can be made automatically by the system based onattributes of the digital asset, sender, recipient, historical knowledgeof gift giving, etc. (collectively represented as contextual knowledgedatabase 2230). In one embodiment, input from a user is received to helpor to make such determination.

For example, say a user uploads a fall picture 2124B. The system mightthen automatically propose a background or text message as part ofprepended content 2212 consistent with the fall picture. Or the systemmight propose wording that one would not initially expect but wouldultimately be applicable. Thus, instead of proposing content alwaysseems consistent, sometimes the system might propose a variation ofcontent that a user would not have normally expected.

As another example, suppose a user uploaded a video of someone blowingout candles. The system might propose birthday-themed content 2212 toprepend to the video. Aspects of such suggestions are more fullydescribed in provisional application No. 63/460,248, which, asmentioned, is incorporated by reference herein.

At a step 2414, a second media component 2216 is determined, which isappended to digital asset 2214. This appended content 2216 can beproposed by the system automatically as is the prepended content 2212.As mentioned, in one embodiment, the digital asset influences thedetermination of the first 2212 or second 2216 media components.

At a step 2416, prepended content 2212, digital asset 2214, appendedcontent 2216 (and, to the extent separate, additional presentationinstructions 2228) are incorporated into digital presentation 2218.

At a step 2418, a unique identifier 2220 is associated with digitalpresentation 2218 and stored in datastore 2224. Thus, the presentation2218 is presentable on remote device 2226 incident to it providing theunique identifier 2218 to, for example, server 2228.

In one embodiment, customization options are presented on user interface2210 to customize prepended content 2212 or appended content 2216. Forexample, UI 2210 can include buttons, sliders, graphics, color choices,fonts, messages, animations, etc. that can be selected. Often, suchoptions are overwhelming to users. The system helps in that regard byproposing context-relevant customization options based on contextualinformation 2230, for example, a sender of the first digital asset (viaa sender profile), an intended recipient of the first digital asset (viaa recipient profile), the digital asset, a location of the sender of thefirst digital asset, a location of the intended recipient of the firstdigital asset, or a date.

For example, if a user types in “get well soon” as aspect of prependedcontent 2212, the system will present sympathy-related options on UI2210 that a user might select or confirm. Or a user might request thatsuch options be presented.

In some embodiments, the unique identifier is tied to a physical object,such as an ornament, card, picture frame, or other keepsake. Forexample, unique identifier 2220 could be a QR code on a greeting cardthat, when scanned by a device such as remote device 2226 causes arecipient experience to be presented on the device.

In this way, another illustrative method of an aspect of the disclosedtechnology includes presenting a user interface, such as 2212, thatenables a user to customize a recipient experience when the systemreceives an indication of a unique identifier, such as 2220. Asmentioned, the user 2210 interface includes controls to define aspectsof the recipient experience in one embodiment.

The method further includes receiving (e.g., via the user interface2210), instructions 2228 that define the aspects of the recipientexperience, including instructions that encourage recipient engagement.Instructions 2228 could include completing a game, popping a digitalballoon that reveals the digital asset or a portion of it, a conditionon an attribute of the recipient or user, preventing fully presentingthe digital asset unless a certain activity is achieved (e.g., therecipient walks 10,000 steps), etc. Still further, the recipient can bepresented with an option to provide feedback or a return gift or messageto the sender (even without revealing the identify of the sender becausethe system is aware of it), and that feedback can be rewarded by way ofa presentation to the receiver.

The method further continues by receiving an indication of a digitalgift (e.g., 2214A-2214F) to be included as part of the recipientexperience, storing in a datastore 2224 a recipient-experienceidentifier 2220 that is useable to retrieve aspects of the recipientexperience, receiving via a remote computing device 2226 an indication2218 of the unique identifier, causing the recipient experience 2218 tobe presented via the remote computing device 2226, wherein the recipientexperience includes the defined aspects.

FIG. 25 depicts aspects of another embodiment of the disclosedtechnology, one in which a common portion of a presentation can bepresented along with multiple respective one or more supplementalportions, each optionally respectively contextually related to a groupof objects, such as, for example, a boxed set of greeting cards. Thisembodiment accommodates a use case where, for example, a customer mightpurchase a boxed set of items, such as greeting cards, each of which isto be associated with a sender, and thus includes a common portion of apresentation, but wherein each of which is also associated with variablecontent based on the recipient, the specific card, or other attribute.

FIG. 25 depicts four illustrative cards 2512, 2514, 2516, and 2518. Eachof the cards is respectively associated with a first theme, secondtheme, third theme, and fourth theme. Similarly, each card is associatedwith a unique identifier, 2512A, 2514A, 2516A, and 2518A.

For example, first card 2512 might have a birthday theme. Second card2514 might have a graduation theme. Third card 2516 might have a “HappyAnniversary” theme. And fourth card 2518 might have a “Happy Valentine'sDay” theme. In this embodiment, a mother may purchase a boxed set ofcards to give to people she cares about. The disclosed technology allowsher to record a common message, such as a video of herself in the formof a common greeting. However, when the recipient receives first card2512, and uses his or her cell phone 2522 to scan QR 2512A, a digitalpresentation 2523 is presented that is composed of a common portion 2524and a supplemental portion 2526, where the supplemental portioncontextually relates to the theme of the first card.

When recipient 2522 scans first card 2512, common portion 2524 isplayed, but a birthday theme makes up supplemental portion 2526 becausethat is the theme associated with card 2512. And without the senderhaving to record a new common portion, he or she can send a second card2514 of the same set to recipient 2522, which retrieves a differentdigital presentation composed of the same common portion 2524 but adifferent supplemental portion 2526, which contextually relates to thetheme of second card 2514 (instead of first card 2512). Perhaps, asmentioned, second card 2514 is a graduation theme. And perhaps thesender desires to send the card to a different recipient. However, therecipient, upon scanning code 2514A, is presented with the same commoncomponent 2524 that was associated with first card 2512, but agraduation-related theme given that QR code 2514A (instead of 2512A) wasscanned.

A second variation of utilizing the technology in connection with thesetting of FIG. 25 includes automatically suggesting differentcontextual elements, backgrounds, themes, etc. that can be customized bya sender. For example, a sender may purchase a boxed set of cards, asshown. To customize them, sender 2520 would scan first QR code 2512A.The system would recognize first QR code 2512A as well as itscorresponding theme and automatically present controls or themes orother suggestions on the user interface of the sender's device 2520 thatare contextually relevant to the theme of first card 2512.

But when the sender scans second code 2514A, a different set of controlsor options are presented to a sender that are contextually relevant tothe second theme associated with second card 2514. The system ispre-programmed to know the themes of each card.

Thus, one embodiment of a method includes respectively associating eachof a plurality of number items with a corresponding unique identifier,such as the cards 2512-2518 shown corresponding identifiers 2512A-2518A.Each unique identifier is useable to identify one or more attributes ofits corresponding physical item.

One embodiment further includes providing a user interface that includesa set of controls that are useable to receive a communication of commondigital content 2524 and receiving the common digital content.

One embodiment further includes receiving from a remote device anindication of a first unique identifier (e.g., 2512A) among the set ofunique identifiers and without user intervention, automaticallydetermining supplemental content 2526 that is to be presented with thecommon digital content 2524. The supplemental content can be selectedbased on the attributes of the physical item corresponding to the firstunique identifier or other attributes (such as those of the sender orrecipient) in one embodiment.

The method continues by causing a composite presentation 2523 to bepresented on the remote device 2522. The composite presentation includesthe supplemental content 2526 and the common digital content 2424 in oneembodiment.

The method can also include receiving a second unique identifier (e.g.,2514A) and presenting a different supplemental content 2526 inconnection with the common content 2524. The physical items could bepackaged in a common packaging.

In another embodiment, each card of FIG. 25 could be completelyindependent. An actionable unique identifier 2512A enables, incident toa first action (e.g., a user capturing the QR code and following it,entering a unique string of digits, following a hyperlink, etc.),presenting of a first user interface that is useable to customize apresentation, resulting in a customized presentation. And incident to asubsequent action of acting on the same identifier 2512A, the systemwould present the customized presentation on a remote device (instead ofa configuration option). In other embodiments, the sender could furthercustomize the presentation before finalizing. In other embodiments, thesender could be required to first finalize the presentation by selectinga “finalize” option, after which, acting on the identifier 2512A wouldresult in presenting the presentation.

Example Computing Environment.

With reference to FIG. 11 , computing device 1100 includes a bus 1110that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory 1112,one or more processors 1114, one or more presentation components 1116,one or more input/output (I/O) ports 1118, one or more I/O components1120, and an illustrative power supply 1122. Bus 1110 represents whatmay be one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, orcombination thereof). Although the various blocks of FIG. 11 are shownwith lines for the sake of clarity, in reality, these blocks representlogical, not necessarily actual, components. For example, one mayconsider a presentation component such as a display device to be an I/Ocomponent. Also, processors have memory. The inventors hereof recognizethat such is the nature of the art and reiterate that the diagram ofFIG. 11 is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing device that canbe used in connection with one or more aspects of the presenttechnology. Distinction is not made between such categories as“workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “handheld device,” etc., as all arecontemplated within the scope of FIG. 11 and with reference to“computing device.”

Computing device 1100 typically includes a variety of computer-readablemedia. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by computing device 1100 and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise non-transitorycomputer-storage media and communication media.

Computer-storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information such as computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage mediaincludes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVDs) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bycomputing device 1100. Computer storage media does not comprise signalsper se.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media, such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media, such asacoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any ofthe above should also be included within the scope of computer-readablemedia.

Memory 1112 includes computer storage media in the form of volatileand/or nonvolatile memory. The memory may be removable, non-removable,or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-statememory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. Computing device 1100includes one or more processors 1114 that read data from variousentities such as memory 1112 or I/O components 1120. Presentationcomponent(s) 1116 presents data indications to a user or other device.Exemplary presentation components include a display device, speaker,printing component, vibrating component, and the like.

The I/O ports 1118 allow computing device 1100 to be logically coupledto other devices, including I/O components 1120, some of which may bebuilt in. Illustrative components include a microphone, joystick, gamepad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc.

The I/O components 1120 may provide a natural user interface (NUI) thatprocesses air gestures, voice, or other physiological inputs generatedby a user. In some instances, inputs may be transmitted to anappropriate network element for further processing. An NUI may implementany combination of speech recognition, touch and stylus recognition,facial recognition, biometric recognition, gesture recognition both onscreen and adjacent to the screen, air gestures, head and eye tracking,and touch recognition associated with displays on the computing device1100. The computing device 1100 may be equipped with depth cameras, suchas stereoscopic camera systems, infrared camera systems, RGB camerasystems, and combinations of these, for gesture detection andrecognition. Additionally, the computing device 1100 may be equippedwith accelerometers or gyroscopes that enable detection of motion. Theoutput of the accelerometers or gyroscopes may be provided to thedisplay of the computing device 1100 to render immersive augmentedreality or virtual reality.

Some aspects of computing device 1100 may include one or more radio(s)1124 (or similar wireless communication components). The radio 1124transmits and receives radio or wireless communications. The computingdevice 1100 may be a wireless terminal adapted to receive communicationsand media over various wireless networks. Computing device 1100 maycommunicate via wireless protocols, such as code division one or moreaccess (“CDMA”), global system for mobiles (“GSM”), or time division oneor more access (“TDMA”), as well as others, to communicate with otherdevices. The radio communications may be a short-range connection, along-range connection, or a combination of both a short-range and along-range wireless telecommunications connection. When we refer to“short” and “long” types of connections, we do not mean to refer to thespatial relation between two devices. Instead, we are generallyreferring to short range and long range as different categories, ortypes, of connections (i.e., a primary connection and a secondaryconnection). A short-range connection may include, by way of example andnot limitation, a Wi-Fi® connection to a device (e.g., mobile hotspot)that provides access to a wireless communications network, such as aWLAN connection using the 802.11 protocol; a Bluetooth connection toanother computing device is a second example of a short-rangeconnection, or a near-field communication connection. A long-rangeconnection may include a connection using, by way of example and notlimitation, one or more of CDMA, GPRS, GSM, TDMA, and 802.16 protocols.

EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1. A greeting card customization system comprising: a uniqueidentifier generator configured to dispense a single code for a singlegreeting card print job, wherein each single greeting card print jobcomprises a card design and card dimensions. The system also comprisinga customization zone template configured to receive the single code andthe single greeting card print job. The customization zone template isconfigured for: 1) accessing by a printing component to facilitateplacement of the single code within a printable template zonecorresponding to both the card design and the card dimensions; and 2)accessing by a finishing component to facilitate one or more of folding,die-cutting, gluing of the greeting card structure in relation to theprintable template zone such that the single code is printed andprotected from each process of the finishing component.

Embodiment 2. A method for associating a sample digital asset with atangible object. The method including obtaining a sample portion of aunique identifier for a digital asset corresponding to a particulartangible object. The method also including associating the sampleportion of the unique identifier and a product information display for amerchandiser of a plurality of the particular tangible object, whereinthe sample portion comprises at least a first video segment of curatedcontent from a digital asset theme of the particular tangible object.

Embodiment 3. A method for replacing themed content in an existingdigital content with a new themed content. The method includes obtainingfrom a first user device a first instance of a unique identifier locatedon a first tangible object. The first tangible object having a firsttheme. The method further includes receiving an instruction to associatethe first instance of the unique identifier with a digital asset. Themethod further includes receiving a first digital asset from a firstuser of the first user device. The method further includes retrievingfirst stock content having the first theme. The method further includesusing the first stock content and first digital asset to build ashareable digital asset. The method further includes associating thefirst instance of the unique identifier and the shareable digital assettogether within a data store. The method further includes obtaining asecond instance of a unique identifier located on a second tangibleobject. The second tangible object having a second theme. The methodfurther includes receiving an instruction to associate the secondinstance of the unique identifier with the sharable digital asset. Themethod further includes retrieving second stock content having thesecond theme. The method further includes using the first digital assetand the second stock content to build a new shareable digital asset. Themethod further includes associating the second instance of the uniqueidentifier and the new shareable digital asset together within a datastore.

Explanation of Embodiment 3. The stock content can be stored andassociated with the tangible object through the first or second instanceof unique identifiers. For example, a first series of unique identifierscould be associated with a first theme. Duringmanufacturing/distribution, unique identifiers from the first series maybe associated with tangible objects that share the same theme. Theunique identifier may be printed on the tangible objects and/orassociated via a tag or label. The association between the theme and theunique identifier can be maintained in a data store that identifiesunique identifiers associated with each theme. In order to determine atheme associated with a unique identifier, the unique identifier can belooked up in the data store and a corresponding theme identifierreturned. In this way, the stock content with the correct theme can beinserted into a sharable digital asset generated for the tangibleobject.

The stock content can include introductory content and terminal content.Metadata associated with the first sharable digital asset can identifywhere the stock content starts and stops within the first sharabledigital asset. Generating a second sharable digital asset from the firstdigital asset can include removing the first stock content having thefirst theme and adding the second stock content having the second theme.

The method of embodiment 3 allows user provided content to be associatedwith one or more tangible objects while generating unique sharabledigital assets that match the tangible objects. For example, a personcould generate a single video greeting and automatically generate fourdifferent sharable digital assets by creating the first sharable digitalasset and then scanning additional tangible objects having uniqueidentifiers associated with different themes. An instruction can beprovided to use the previously created sharable digital asset as a seedfor a new asset. Each new sharable digital asset can be retrieved byscanning the associated unique identifier.

As used herein a sharable digital asset includes at least one item ofuser provided content that is accessible by scanning a uniqueidentifier. The sharable digital asset can include only a single userprovided content that is provided by a single user. The storage andretrieval system for a sharable digital asset has been described hereinin the context of a digital presentation, which may use the same system.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive.Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of thisdisclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means ofimplementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing fromthe scope of the claims below. Certain features and sub combinations areof utility, may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations, and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. One or more non-transitory computer-storage mediahaving computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, whenexecuted by at least one processor of a system, cause the system toperform a method, the method comprising: receiving an instruction toassociate a unique identifier with a digital presentation, wherein theunique identifier is associated with a tangible object; receiving afirst digital asset from a first remote device; determining a firstmedia component to prepend to the first digital asset, thereby providingprepended content; determining a second media component to append to thefirst digital asset, thereby providing appended content, wherein thefirst digital asset influences the determination of the first mediacomponent or the second media component; incorporating the prependedcontent, digital asset, and appended content into the digitalpresentation; and associating the unique identifier with the digitalpresentation in a data store.
 2. The computer-storage media of claim 1,wherein the unique identifier includes one or more of the following: aQR code, a bar code, an alpha-numeric string, an RFID component, or anNFC component.
 3. The computer-storage media of claim 1, wherein thetangible object is a greeting card.
 4. The computer-storage media ofclaim 1, wherein the unique identifier is associated with the tangibleobject by the unique identifier being printed on the tangible object. 5.The computer-storage media of claim 4, wherein the unique identifierbeing printed on the tangible object includes a sticker affixed to thetangible object wherein the sticker includes the unique identifier. 6.The computer-storage media of claim 1, further comprising receiving anindication of a sender to be associated with sending the digitalpresentation to a recipient address, wherein the sender indication isuseable to identify a sender profile.
 7. The computer-storage media ofclaim 6, further comprising referencing a recipient profile based on therecipient address.
 8. The computer-storage media of claim 6, furthercomprising automatically proposing customizations based on at least oneof the following: the recipient profile, the sender profile, thetangible object; or the digital presentation.
 9. The computer-storagemedia of claim 8, wherein the customizations related to one or more thefirst media component, the digital asset, or the second media component.10. The computer-storage media of claim 9, wherein the customizationsare contextually relevant to the tangible object.
 11. One or morenon-transitory computer-storage media having computer-executableinstructions embodied thereon that, when executed by at least oneprocessor of a system, cause the system to perform a method, the methodcomprising: receiving an instruction to include a first digital asset aspart of a digital presentation; determining a first media component toprepend to the first digital asset, thereby providing prepended content;determining a second media component to append to the first digitalasset, thereby providing appended content, wherein the first digitalasset influences the determination of the first media component or thesecond media component; incorporating the prepended content, digitalasset, and appended content into the digital presentation; associating aunique identifier with the digital presentation, whereby the digitalpresentation is presentable on a remote display device incident toreceiving an indication of the unique identifier; and storing in adatastore the association of the unique identifier with the digitalpresentation.
 12. The computer-storage media of claim 11, wherein thefirst digital asset includes one or more of the following: a digitalgame; a monetary gift; a selection of items from which the recipientcould choose a gift; an item customized to the recipient's location atthe time of redemption; an experiential gift that requires recipientengagement to receive an ultimate gift; a song playlist; a videoplaylist; a customized video; a customized set of pictures; a customizedset of sounds; a time-delayed that is receivable only upon theoccurrence of a timed countdown; an invitation; a letter; an avatarassociated with the recipient or others; a live camera feed; or anaugmented-reality presentation.
 13. The computer-storage media of claim11, wherein the first media component or second media component includesone or more of: a personalized greeting; an animation; textual content;a greeting; or a personalized salutation.
 14. The computer-storage mediaof claim 11, wherein determining the first media component includesautomatically presenting customization options without user invention,wherein the customization options are based on attributes of one or moreof the following: a sender of the first digital asset; an intendedrecipient of the first digital asset; the digital asset; a location ofthe sender of the first digital asset; a location of the intendedrecipient of the first digital asset; or a date.
 15. Thecomputer-storage media of claim 14, wherein the customization optionsapply to one or more of the first media component or the second mediacomponent.
 16. The computer-storage media of claim 12, wherein theunique identifier includes one or more of the following: a QR code, abar code, an alpha-numeric string, an RFID component, or an NFCcomponent.
 17. The computer-storage media of claim 12, wherein thedigital presentation includes one or more of a video, images, sound, orcombinations thereof.
 18. A method for presenting a customized greeting,the method comprising: respectively associating each of a plurality ofphysical items with a corresponding unique identifier, thereby providinga set of unique identifiers; wherein each unique identifier is useableto identify one or more attributes of its corresponding physical item;providing a user interface that includes a set of controls that areuseable to receive a communication of common digital content; receivingthe common digital content; receiving from a remote device an indicationof a first unique identifier among the set of unique identifiers; andwithout user intervention, automatically determining supplementalcontent that is to be presented with the common digital content, whereinthe supplemental content is selected based on the one or more attributesof the physical item corresponding to the first unique identifier;causing a composite presentation to be presented on the remote device,wherein the composite presentation includes the supplemental content andthe common digital content.
 19. The media of claim 18, furthercomprising: receiving a second unique identifier; and presenting adifferent supplemental content in connection with the common content.20. The method of claim 18, further comprising packaging the pluralityof physical items into a common package, wherein the plurality ofphysical items includes at least one greeting card.